Bill's Bountiful Blog

May I keep you posted on my thoughts, ideas, observations, and silliness?. Am I serious? Is it relevant?. Does anyone care? Probably not much.

But in today's age of everyone has something to say, why not me? And who can blame me for jumping into to the pool? For speaking up For laying it out?

"Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one." - Thomas Wiley, Journalist

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Christmas Trees Endanger the World

By William May
Published: 01/17/15 Topics: Government Comments: 0

The latest target of political extremists is the lowly Christmas Trees. They have pronounced that live- fresh versions are terribly dangerous when located in public places, like hotels, condo buildings, restaurants and even correction facilities (double speak for jails.)

This is really just another form of hate crime - where one group of people decide to punish and impugn the people they hate who behave differently than them.

Here is the pitch from Honolulu Fire Dept. Battalion chief Terry Seelig found on KHON TV website in Hawaii:

"Our goal is to help them understand what their options are," proclaims Seelig. Inherent in his hubris is that he and fire chiefs know what is best for everyone, even those who want to have a Christmas tree.

In faux generosity he is wiling to allow that those under his thumb, "can have limited amounts of cut vegetation."

Why must he create strange new terms and then explain them to the public like they are children? It is just his method of demeaning the people he serves.

And if you think politico speak is rare, get this one from Seelig, "They are going to probably have some change remorse." Really? Change remorse? Why can't he just admit, 'this is really going to peeve people but I just really don’t care what anyone things who thinks differently than me?'

No one should be surprised by this latest government official land grab. Big brother has an insatiable appetite to gain mind control citizens in every possible way, and to do it with inane laws and regulations.

The hypocrisy is proven by the fact that he is willing to grant some dispensation to the lowly serfs by saying that people "can have trees in their individual apartments." So if a tree is not dangerous in a private home why is it not safe in a restaurant?

This is not a rant about the political left or the right, but about a much more dangerous group - government thugs who feel they have nothing better to do with their time than to find a single complaint and decided that 300 million people should adjust their lives to conform to the mathematically unlikely scenario that a Christmas Tree will burst into flames and be dangerous.

For more insight into crazy thinking and stupid laws, be sure to read, "The Death of Commons Sense" available on Amazon.com.

Author: William May – Anti-Scrooge Advocate, Plumbob Publishing
Blog #: 0388 – 01/17/15

HDR Photography is not HD

By William May
Published: 01/01/15 Topics: Comments: 0

Do not be mislead. Do not be deceived.

The term "High Definition" may apply to your television or computer screen but "High Dynamic Range" photography is a different breed of animal.

HD and HDR are entirely different things and they are what Signatour Photo Team does exclusively.

HDR refers to a technological process so powerful and so compelling that it has been patented by Adobe software. Almost anyone can use HDR. In fact a rudimentary version is built into Apple’s iPhone 5.

Only one in every ten thousand amateur photographers (one in a thousand professionals) can master HDR to become truly capable of using it for dazzling accurate photos.

REVOLUTION FOR ACCURACY

HDR has many uses but the Signatour Photo Team goal is very simple.

HDR is the advanced tool used to produce architectural photographs that actually reproduce what the human eye sees. You may get tired of hearing the phrase, but that simple capability is essential to making your photos accurate and proper.

Even the world’s best SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera requires the photograph to pick an aperture and an exposure time.

For example, for Aperture most SLR cameras have a standard seven "F Stops" that can be chosen, but one must be chosen to take a photo. F-Stops represent the amount of light entering the lens, with digital cameras, the amount of light arriving at the sensor.

Further, aperture values are not absolute measurements. They are relative requiring the photographer to divide the aperture’s diameter by the focal length of the lens.

For example, a 50mm diameter aperture on a lens with a focal length of 200mm would have an f-stop of 1/4 - generally written as F4 or 1:4.

Prior to digital cameras, photographers had to spend hour upon hour using special hidden lights to overcompensate for dark areas inside a room, or screen away light form outside.

Very expensive magazines have been doing this for decades but it requires a bunch of workers, toiling together for days to get a single accurate photo.

MIRACLE OF THE HUMAN EYE

On the other hand, the wondrous human eye can adjust all F-Stops on it’s own lens and judge focal length at the blink of an eye (actually much faster than that.) So as you switch your glaze from a dark interior space to a bright outside window, then back to another interior dark space, your eyes sees it all perfectly. Automatically.

Surprisingly, not all animals can do this well, but humans can. And they never know it happened! The miracle is taken for granted

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

For over a hundred years photographers tried to solve the aperture and exposure problem using odd techniques and time consuming methods.

Decades ago, some shooters actually tried to take multiple shots of the same image using different exposures. They then cut apart their glass plate negatives, glued them together and made paper prints from them in hopes of getting accurate exposures. It was unpredictable. It was expensive. It was tough.

Other photographers spent hour upon hour in the dark room, covering parts of the light source used to expose sensitive photographic paper to manually adjust the black or white (later color) to represent what they remembered to be correct.

Most famous photographers "dodged" and "burned" and "blended" photo prints relentlessly in the dark room to improve or change the character of the photo.

It was said that Ancil Adams - a dedicated outdoorsman famous for his stunning Yosemite National Park photos - spent more time in the darkroom creating photos than he spent shooting them.

Shooting HDR photos is not for the unskilled or lazy. To do it properly requires patience, proper equipment, computer skills, a good memory (more about that later) and the fine hand of an artist.

SIGNATOUR STILL PHOTOS

The problem with shooting interior spaces is that the range of light and contrast in a room varies from very dark (back in a corner), to the diffused light (on a ceiling), to the very light (seeing through a room out a window).

To correct that problem our team members use very sensitive professional cameras, mount them on heavy tripods, locked down so it will not move, and then shoot up to 16 photos each with a different F-stop.

Be careful - if the camera is jiggled, the photos are useless. Even the slightest movement means the photos can not be amalgamated into a truly accurate photo.

Each single photo is shot repeatedly, at the highest possible digital camera range and in a "Raw" format to stuff the photo full of every pixel of light (or dark) in the room. The files are huge and there are 16 of them for every single photo to be created.

Those photos are then uploaded to a high powered computer with lots of storage and computing power because the software needed for the next step eats computer memory alive.

To complete a single photo, the photograph next pulls all 16 photos into a single screen (remember these are huge files) and overlays them in a cascade so he can examine the exposure of each.

Using various software tools he does what those photograph explorers did a century ago with their glass plates - he picks and chooses the proper exposure for every inch of the room.

The software automates this some, but not entirely. It is necessary to examine pesky problems like blinds or draperies that are composed of very dark and very light components.

Sometimes the photographer must tone each color in the room to match what his eye remembers (remember the memory requirement?) Then set about to insure that lines are as straight (or not) on the photo as they are in real life. Camera lenses are round and naturally straight lines, such as ceiling to wall junctions can appear rounded.

After all the proper parts of each photo have been chosen, the photographer instructs the software to combine them leaving out all the photo parts not chosen. Software helps make intricate connections clear but it takes an artist to insure it is realistic.

In the end the photos are truly dense in pixels which is where the term "High Dynamic Range" originates. The file is massive but full of details.

Today architectural photos are primarily used for the internet and large file sizes can cause web pages to load slowly or improperly. Therefore the next step is for the photographer to resize and reapportion the photos to reduce file size while retaining the same accuracy.

Using nothing more than his wondrous human eyes the photographer artist reduces the file size until just before its reduction would be visible. He does this separately for each final size and reduces the file size significantly without decreasing the quality and accuracy of the photo.

This entire process is all made possible by multiple images of different exposures, a huge computer file size and the millions of resulting pixels but only if the HDR process is properly handled at every prior step.

It takes hundreds of hours to master. Great HDR photographers get progressively better over years.

THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH HDR

Many try, but few succeed. Signatour photos are better than those produced by some other very skilled HDR photographers because completing the photo to match what the eye sees, requires a true artist.

The difference between Michael Angelo, and his contemporaries, was not their tools or the quality of their paints or marble for carving. It was that Michael Angelo had the touch. He had the eye. He had the magic.

Signatour Photo Team members use HDR in ways far beyond what your garden variety professional photographer can do. By specializing in architectural photos for the travel and tourism industry they are able to proceed through the photographic process over and over again.

Each time they use specialized skills to create photos that are as vibrant and accurate as what the miraculous human eye can see.

PERFECT TOUCH PHOTOS

Putting inaccurate and embarrassing photos in your advertising or website means you are subliminally telling customers that your property is not of the highest caliber.

Using Signatour HDR photos tells them just the opposite. If you care about the quality of your advertising then they will presume you care about the quality of your business.

The Signatour Photo Team process is called "Perfect Touch" because we use the latest technology, the best equipment and have movingly beautiful properties to shoot - but mostly because we have artists who can make every photograph come to life.

Now all you have to do, to get photos that will properly show case your property and business, is to call us today.

- - - - - - - - - -

False Assumptions

Every now and then someone says, "But gee your photographs look fake or odd." In some ways they are correct, but mostly they are unobservant.

For hundreds of years, printers have been forced into reproducing photos using a pattern of tiny dots to trick the viewers eye into thinking it was seeing a photograph. To produce color photos, they had to overlay four versions of those dots, offsetting them slightly to fill the gaps. It worked but close inspection shows imperfections and inaccuracies.

In very high-end printing - such as National Graphic Magazine - the dots are so small (and the printing so costly) that your eye can not see the dots. But in most pulp printed newspapers, a close look at the photos reveals those dots with the naked eye.

These methods were good for the day, but they were not accurate, failing to reveal the proper dynamics of dark and light and medium. In short, what you saw in print was not what your eye saw in person.

WHEN EVERYTHING IS RIGHT

Until the advent of digital photography, amateur photos, such as those most amateurs get back from the photo store, the problem of F-Stops remained. Photos of moms, dads, kids and vacations were taken with simple cameras with scare ability to alter exposures and aperture.

Now that everyone has a pretty camera in their pockets, their phone, the number of photos taken is skyrocketing. Although some smart phones have rudimentary HDR, the onslaught of photos simply means that a whole lot of people are seeing far more photos that remain improperly exposed and focused.

The result is photos with improper exposures. Yet - due to a history of looking at bad photos - consumers have been subconsciously trained to think that crappy photos are accurate. They are shocked to see accurate photos that they think something is wrong with them - when nothing is wrong with them - and everything is right.

Author: William May, Signatours
Blog #: 0380 – 01/01/15

Getting Fired Talk More - Lodging Newsletter October 13th, 2014

By William May
Published: 10/15/14 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

Hooray, Hooray. October is official "Deep Cleaning & Property Survey" month. More about that below.

We are gearing up for Fall and Holiday bookings. In Leavenworth we're going through Oktoberfest or, as some call it, Oktober Crush.

At the beaches, Clam Dig seasons have been announced, just in time for guests to track in all the possible sand they can. At the mountains skiers are praying for snow.

Response to this week's Insider is mandatory, or you will be charge $1,000 per week to get them. (Just click on your hand email "Reply" button.)

Sincerely,

William May

Vortex Organization

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PERIODIC UPDATES

Deep Cleans & Surveys - Attached are two forms that are to be filled out for every home you work on. Reach the Deep Clean checklist carefully indicating what needs to be done. The Survey is your wish list of fixes, improvements and updates you would love to have the owners do (include a price for anything you can do.)

Then fax or scan/email those off to Seattle. We will send them out to owners with a letter to get approval. After which you can start working.

>>> Please get these done within a week so we can schedule this week during the slower times.

Inspections - Now when we travel we do inspections of every unit. Most are good, but some need extra work. If you get a written inspection, take quick action and respond right away.

Talk More - Changes are inevitable. Schedules change. New issues arise. All of it is 100% manageable if - and only if - we communicate.

If you are scheduled to do something there are only two options (1) Do it and on time or (2) let people know well in advance if you can not do it. Voicemails don't count. Email's and texting don't count. You must communicate by phone or in person. You must try diligently to reach the person.

Getting Fired - Being in a service business property owners hold us highly accountable. They don't understand when we don't talk with each other. If you have a problem telephone the other person repeatedly to collaborate.

Start a new habit today - meet deadlines, or confer very closely with the person who is counting on you. If the task is yours, the responsibility for reporting or getting approval for a deadline is yours.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

THIS ISSUES TEST QUESTIONS:

Rush your answers to me. First winner gets a stress free year.

(1) When we post electronic payments to you, who determines when it gets into your account?

(2) When a member is late turning in weekly requests, how long is payment delayed?

(3) When there is a holiday, when should payroll and member payments be expected?

(4) Do you know your logon and password?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

LAST ISSUES TEST ANSWERS:

(1) What is a "Check Up Clean?" Going to a unit just to make sure its clean.

(2) What is a "Freshen Clean?" During Check up if you need to dust, sweep or do quick cleaning.

(3) What is an "Out Clean?" The Normal and usual cleaning done after the guest departs.

(4) Who is on the "Clean Team?" You are. Housekeepers first of course, but everyone must inspect and report.

Author: William May – Manager, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0374 – 10/15/14

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Never Drop The Ball - Lodging Newsletter September 22nd, 2014

By William May
Published: 09/23/14 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

It was a good summer for rentals. Maybe caused by the improving economy, but probably caused by everyone's continued great work. Thank you.

Remember to tell me where I am wrong. And tell me the latest news with you.

Sincerely,

William May

Vortex Organization

========================

PERIODIC UPDATES

Dropping the Ball - Communication is easy if you make sure you communicated. Let's say a home needs more propane. Emailing or voicemailing the problem (We do not use texting) to someone is not solving the problem until the recipient calls you back to confirm they got the message, you must keep contacting them. This only works if the recipient answers their phone, and says something like "Yes I understand" or "I'll do it" then the communique is complete.

Purchasing Department - Ah ha, another problem solved with streamlined thinking. We know its difficult to keep every thing up to date in every home. Running to the store to buy supplies, notice frames, replacement parties, etc. is a pain, plus it takes too long. The solution is to buy many things online, and with Amazon.com they'll even ship them mostly for free usually arriving within a day or two. You can telephone the office with whatever you need and we'll make it appear at the unit magically. We do the accounting. Please start using us today.

Touch Once - when you have a problem fix it the first time. Trying temporary fixes may be necessary, but efforts can not stop until a permanent solution is fixed. For example, if a faucet is leaking, you can try to twist it hard. But a plumber needs to be called fast. Don't allow such problems to go on and on. Remember the old adage, "No good deed goes unpunished" (Such as temporary problems). Fixing it fast and first reduces stress, makes guests happy and impresses property owners.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

THIS ISSUES TEST QUESTIONS:

Rush your answers to me. First winner gets a prize from Starbucks.

(1) What is a "Check Up Clean?"

(2) What is a "Freshen Clean?"

(3) What is an "Out Clean?"

(4) Who is on the "Clean Team?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

LAST ISSUES TEST ANSWERS:

Thanks for everyone for voting. If you did not respond, how do we know you are reading and heeding these missives?

(1) Which is better a Propane briquette Barbecue? Propane. (Avoid charcoal)

(2) How many key safes should be on every unit? Two. Front door & Backup often at backdoor.

(3) How far in advance can guests be granted an early checkin? No more than 24 hours prior to arrival. (To avoid back-to-back conflicts)

(4) How far in advance can a guest be granted a late checkout? No more than 4 hours prior to departure. (To avoid back-to-back conflicts.)

** There is a charge for early arrivals or late departures.

Author: William May – Manager, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0371 – 09/23/14

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Be Upbeat - Lodging Newsletter September 1st, 2014

By William May
Published: 09/01/14 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

Are you laboring on Labor Day? Your back office crew is working long and hard to help every property excel and to make every guest happy.

And me - well I am writing these updates, tweaks, reminders, suggestions and compliments.

You are welcome to feed back.

Sincerely,

William May

Vortex Organization

PERIODIC UPDATES

Be Upbeat - If your attorney told you how busy and tired he was, what would you think? Or your accountant? Your children's teacher? Property owners hire us to take care of the details and to enjoy doing it - or at least appear to enjoy it. Sure we all get tired, worn out and even cranky. Its OK to ask for more time, its OK to promise to respond later, its OK to ask another staffer to do the work, its OK to find vendors to do the work. It is just not OK to make anything sound like a problem.

Tone of Voice - Even when dealing with other staff members, try always to be update, have a good attitude and make the other person feel good. Even when getting a late nice guest call, slow down, smile through the phone and do what you can to solve the problem. Showing even an ounce of frustration will always backfire.

Too busy - If your accountant said he was too busy, what would you think? Just that he had more important clients ahead of you. Its been said, if you want something done you hire a busy person. So instead, its OK to tell clients. "We'll have to find a place to get that into the schedule." Even if that spot is days or weeks down the road. And remember, that's never a problem but it just has to be scheduled.

Not Services - There are, of course, things that we as managers can not do well and should always sub out. If a property has mice, an exterminator needs to be hired. Doing it yourself won't save money when a guest leaves early after seeing a mouse, and demands a refund. Exterminators are experts as are Plumbers, Electricians, Hot Tub Cleaners and more.

Banning Pronouns - Today would be a good day to swear off the use of pronouns. People who stay in homes, people who own them and people who work for us are not "He", "She", "They" or "Them." Using the right terminology helps everyone instantly understand. Instead use "Guests", "Owners", "Employees" or "Staff."

Website Ads - Our software has the capability to cause third-party ads to appear on some of our websites. Generally only on "Carnac" generic sites such as www.VacationRentalCentral.com but sometimes on geographic sites such as www.MountRainierVacationRentals.com. Usually not on specific websites such as www.BeachyDay.com. However we are going to put ads on "antiquated" websites which will no longer offer lodging such as www.HotelEdelweiss.us (which is being turned into a restaurant.)

- - - - - - - - - - - -

THIS WEEKS TEST QUESTIONS:

Rush your answers to me. First winner gets a stress free year.

(1) Which is better a Propane Briquette Barbecue?

(2) How many key safes should be on every unit?

(3) How far in advance can guests be granted an early checkin?

(4) How far in advance can a guest be granted a late checkout?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

LAST WEEKS TEST ANSWERS:

(1) What does the acronym VRA stands for? ANSWER: Vacation Rental Association.

(2) What does the Acronym WAVRMA stands for? ANSWER: Washington State Vacation Rental Managers Association.

(3) What does the Acronym CVRP stands for? ANSWER: Certified Vacation Rental Professional.

I you don't send in your answers you can not win and all expenses paid trip to Iraq.

Do respond - I need to hear if you are receiving, reading and heeding these Insider emails.

Author: William May – Manager, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0369 – 09/01/14

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

A Map, a Map, My Kingdom for a Map

By William May
Published: 07/20/14 Topics: Comments: 0

Long ago we had these very nice travel aids called maps.

They were printed on paper, folded like origami but you could unfold them to see towns, roads, rivers and other landmarks. Because they showed lots of land -- often a full state - it was always possible to get a general idea of where things were.

From there you could find your way to where you were going, or to find your way to the next state. You could even drive all the way across the US if you wanted. Hey, you could even drive into Canada.

They had these darn Maps in other countries too. Other than a few very remote places, you could unfold the origami and practically drive around the world (if you wanted to swim much of it.)

ALONG CAME TECHNOLOGY

First it was GPS devices that allowed you to know the latitude-longitude coordinates of wherever you were in the world based on signals they received from Global Positioning Satellites. All very high tech stuff. Over time the devices improved and you could find where you were and where you are headed to see a detailed route.

Although GPS was great party conversation, only a small percentage of the popular had one. That increased as car dealers started to install them in vehicles and as the devices improved.

ARE PHONES SMART?

Today, many people have adopted to use of Smart Phones - such as the ubiquitous iPhones, Androids - and are delighted to find that those phones have what they call GPS, but is actually based on the triangulation between multiple mobile phone towers and not on satellites.

They work well except in distant locations where only one tower exists and then they are dead meat.

ARE PEOPLE SMART?

With innovation comes complexity and then comes reliance on technology. Unfortunately some folks take this to mean they can quit thinking smart.

Many lodging operators send out detailed instructions on how to get to their properties, even including Lat-Long coordinates. So with a phone or a GPS devices you can type in the coordinates and your car will practically drive you directly to your destination.

Unfortunately, not everyone gets how this works and they find themselves out in the boondocks with a non-helpful smart phone and without a tightly folded up map for backup.

For help they call the property staff who must always be friendly and helpful, even at 3AM in the morning.

ACTUAL CONVERSATION

GUEST: Can you help me find the house?

STAFF: Yes. Do you have the written instructions we sent?

GUEST: No.

STAFF: Do you have a map, or GPS or Smart phone?

GUEST: A Smart Phone but the map is not working out here.

STAFF: May I ask where you are?

GUEST: I don't know.

STAFF: Do you see any recognizable landmarks, a house, a river, a store or anything?

GUEST: No.

STAFF: Have you passed any landmarks recently?

GUEST: Not that I can remember.

STAFF: Is the land flat or hill?

GUEST: Kind of both.

STAFF: Do you have anyone else with you?

GUEST: Just my 2 year old? And I have my dog.

STAFF: Does the dog have a map?

GUEST: I don't think so. Could you just come find us?

STAFF: Yes, I guess so . . . . may I ask where you are?

You get the idea. Good. Get a map please.

Author: William May – Volunteer, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0373 – 07/20/14

Outdoors-For-All, the Heroes Among Us

By William May
Published: 06/09/14 Topics: Comments: 0

It was over 10 years ago that we first came in contact with the Ski-For-All Foundation.

In the Northwest United States, snow skiing is a rite of winter. Not everyone in the area participates, but the mountains beckon to most of us. In fact, many people are zealous about spending time in the great outdoors and especially in winter.

It is no wonder that some of the most fervent fans got together to share their joy with those least likely to get out.

OUTDOORS FOR ALL:

Using committed volunteers, generous donors and specialized equipment, Ski-For-All helps disabled children and adults to ski and snowboard.

Even the blind can be lead down the mountain at speeds that able bodied non-skiers find frightening, but that finds the sightless skier whooping and laughing at the top of their lungs.

By holding onto a short leash with a sighted skier, and sensing the tension between the two it makes your heart flutter so see how fearless they are.

Who could imagine that even quadriplegics can ski?

It is done by putting the client into a toboggan with four skiers hold tethers affixed to the four corners, the client can speed downhill at an astonishing rate, and everywhere others skiers stop and watch and often cheer.

It takes lots of preparation and time for just one run. But one run is seldom enough for the client. So the volunteers load the toboggan and the client back onto a chair lift to go back to the top. They repeat the journey for as long as the client wants or until the ski area closes (usually the later.)

VACATION HOMES

Knowing of this wonderful organization, we thought it grand to donate use of our vacation rental homes to Ski-For-All and were delighted when they could bring clients to the mountains for over-night trips.

After the first stay, however we received a disappointing phone call. It was the housekeeper who said, "something is wrong, no one slept in the beds."

Embarrassed, I called Ski-For-All and apologized saying "of course it would be absolutely fine for them to sleep in the homes we provided."

The director laughed out loud on the phone. "You don't understand," she said, "these kids spend much of their lives in bed. So sleeping in a sleeping bag, in a cabin on the floor was a thrilling time for them"

"Oh," I said, "I had no idea."

I would like to invite you to donate use of your vacation rental home to charitable groups too. It would be great if you wanted to call Ski-for-All, but in fact your generous donation will be appreciated by any not-for-profit group you can think of.

You'll receive nice thank you of course, but the warm glow of satisfaction will come the minute they book your place. You will be using the riches you possess to help those who need it most.

VACATION RENTAL ANGELS

To recognize the generosity of the wonderful vacation home owners who donate to worthy charities, the Vacation Rental Association (Vrai.org) has formed a "Vacation Rental Angels" program on which their properties can be advertised. Its all for free and our small way of saying thank you. (VacationRentalAngels.com)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - ---

Over time the Foundation has increased its programs to include hiking, biking kayaking, canoeing, yoga and even rock climbing. The newly christened "Outdoors-For-All" is the same great bunch of people now spreading its love of the outdoors to an ever wider circle of people who long to get out and enjoy the environment. (OutdoorsForAll.org)

Author: William May, Plumbob Publishing
Blog #: 0377 – 06/09/14

Gossip Rebound - Lodging Newsletter May 18th, 2014

By William May
Published: 05/20/14 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

Summer is rushing up fast. It seems everyone wants to go on vacation. In speaking with competitors and other managers around the country, most agree that consumers are feeling more confident. (Finally).

As always, I invite your feedback, criticism and comments.

Sincerely,

William May

Vortex Organization

Voice: 866-925-5188 x902

========================

PERIODIC UPDATES FOR 05/18/14

GOSSIP: In your high school, were there those mean folks who gossiped about everyone? It is a disease born of envy and inferiority. Well adjusted humans, discuss the world at large, business, the arts and other fun stuff. They don't talk about (truth or lies) other people. And they certainly don't ridicule or speak ill of others.

With the Internet, gossip runs rampant, so this is a reminder that - at least for our business - everyone must leave their bad habits behind. Owners, guests and staff members expect their information to be confidential.

- Never discuss an owner's lives, or property, or financial results with anyone else.

- Never discuss guests, their families or behavior except with supervisors.

- Never discuss your co-workers lives, families or financial situation with anyone, even other coworkers.

- Never discuss your employment, compensation or employer with coworkers or anyone else.

- Never discuss competitors, their strengths or weaknesses with any person other than appropriate coworkers or supervisors.

REBOUND: And all of these prohibitions go double in discussions without someone who don't like, don't trust or don't know. There is great risk in gossiping to them, because they are more likely to gossip about you. That can come back to bite you when you least expect it.

COURTESY: When someone asks for your feelings or knowledge of owners, co-workers, employer or competitor always be complimentary and never derogatory. Don't provide details. Whether for family, friends or co-workers - if you have a gripe meet and tell the person involved. Have the integrity to meet with them personally.

- If someone asks for information that is confidential, they will be impressed when you say, "Oh that is not something I would talk about." (And do it without a wink or tell-tale grimace.)

- Rather than be put-off, the questioner will actually admire your allegiance to good behavior.

- People are surprised by good manners and ethics. A request for gossip is a change to show you are a moral person.

CONFIDENTIAL Everyone uses the word confidential but most people don't adhere to it. It means you don't talk about anything that must remain confidential - such as family, friends, co-workers, employer and certain property owners.

So what about prospective property owner clients wondering how their homes may perform financially? It is acceptable to discuss how homes in general are doing. For example: You could say, "Newer 3 Bedroom, 3 bath homes, over 2,000 square feet have good occupancy and higher rates". But you can't even allude to the fact that "The house next to yours is generating $80,000 in rental income."

RICHARD MAY: My father ran a truck service company and I worked there in High School. He was a very quiet guy and I frequently mention one of his greatest attributes. In his entire life, my father never "made fun" of anyone. His great compliment to people was that they were "Gentleman" and it said it about many people.

Which is why everyone said it about him.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

LAST ISSUES TEST ANSWERS:

We got lots of correct answers this week, but some disagreement.

(1) Name the three vendors who made WAVRMA presentations? ANSWER: Ride the Ducks, Argossy Cruises and Leavenworth Insurance.

(2) What is the name of our newest reservation person? ANSWER: Emmalee David.

(3) What is the name for our new website software stencil? ANSWER: Jumbo

Rush your answers to me. First winner gets brownie points.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

NEW TEST QUESTIONS:

Grading - you don't have to get all the answers, but the god of happiness will be unhappy.

(1) Is it acceptable to tell someone how much money your co-workers makes?

(2) Can you tell a prospective owner, how much the home next door earns?

(3) Can you tell people what a specific competitor does badly?

Author: William May – Manager, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0364 – 05/20/14

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Going Mobile - Lodging Newsletter May 12th, 2014

By William May
Published: 05/12/14 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

Mea culpa. The Insider newsletters have fallen behind but maybe that's good news. Reservations are busy, new inventory is in the pipeline.

Of biggest news - Mobile websites have now been going on line. Look below.

Sincerely,

William May

Vortex Organization

Voice: 866-925-5188 x902

========================

PERIODIC UPDATES FOR 05/06/14

- - -

MOBILE WEBSITES: Industry pundits are saying that bookings for hotels now represent 30% of the total. Due to the unique nature of vacation rentals, the percentage is lower but climbing.

We're still testing but with Salman's great "Jumbo" programming we have simply created the most functional mobile websites yet devised. They include large photos, nice graphics and easy to navigate interface. We even did some testing with some marketing experts who gave us the thumbs up.

we are now setting up Mobile versions for many of the websites. From your smart phone, just type in the regular website domain name and you'll see a mobile optimized version of the regular website. Because the visible space is so small we had to adapt written descriptions, photos and many other aspects. Watch and you will see that these websites will continue to change for some weeks and months ahead.

You will notice that there are fewer menu options due to the limited space. But we've used photos that are larger than most mobile websites. We expect to get all important websites done within a few weeks, but feel free to try your favorite. Here are some that are up and running for sure:

Manager/Destinations

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

www.AllAroundSeattle.com

www.BeachyDay.com

www.ByTheSeaBytheSea.com

www.GigHarborGetaways.com

www.LeavenworthGetaways.com

Complexes

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

www.AlpineVillage.com

www.CrystalChalets.com

WAVRMA MEETING: Thanks to Penny, Josh, Emmalee, Joe and Taylor for helping out with last month's meeting for the Washington State Vacation Rental Managers Meeting. If you didn't attend you did not get a Quacker. (Ask someone who did attend.) There are many new members as our industry continues to grow.

OWNER CALLS: Recently we mailed letters to many prospective owners in certain geographic areas. That is a reminder to those Manager Members they need to telephone

BOARD MEETING: A long time friend and one of Seattle's most respected advertising experts - Al Doyle - has joined our Board of Advisors. He now specializes in real estate marketing and you can see his company at www.FusionHappens.com. Our most recent board meeting with very helpful and provided a number of good ideas.

CLEAN CALLS: Thank you to those who are much more frequently telephoning the office when each clean is completed. That reeeeeeeeeeeealy helps. And to operate even better we have a new request - Generally homes are to be cleaned the same day that guests depart, or at least to Triage the place. Now, if the clean is NOT going to be done the same day we must ask that housekeepers telephone the office, let us know what they found when triaging, and estimate the date on which the clean will be complete.

GUESTBOOKS: Have you copied your property guest books and mailed them to Seattle? Please do it today. This needs to be done every month or, when you see more than a few new postings.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

LAST ISSUES TEST ANSWERS:

We got lots of correct answers this week, but some disagreement.

(1) What are Merchant Accounts used for? Credit Cards

(2) Which company developed the back office and website software do we use? Magical Digits

(3) What does WAVRMA stand for? Washington Vacation Rental Managers Association - the first and only open-forum, open-membership managers group.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

NEW TEST QUESTIONS:

Grading - you don't have to get all the answers, but the god of happiness will be unhappy.

(1) Name the three vendors who made WAVRMA presentations?

(2) What is the name of our newest reservation person?

(3) What is the name for our new website software stencil?

Rush your answers to me. First winner gets brownie points.

Author: William May – Manager, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0362 – 05/12/14

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Crowing About Our New Mobile Website

By William May
Published: 05/01/14 Topics: Comments: 0

We are just going to go out and say it, "Our new mobile website, for smart phones, is by far the most comprehensive, beautiful and functional mobile website ever."

Yes, other lodging managers have built mobile websites, but no one has built anything like this" Said, Salman Arshad of Redstone Systems.

Redstone Systems, creator of HelpBook.me software for the Inn, Resort & Vacation Rental industries just added this new mobile website capability. While that may not sound earth-shaking it is actually evolutionary - the first efficient, effect and persuasive mobile websites for smart phones.

Redstone started by studying hundreds of mobile websites for Inns, Resorts & Vacation Rental management.

Joseph Romain, Creative Director said "The variety was astounding, as was the lack of features. None of the websites had all the design and foresight necessary to book unique properties on a smart phone."

Some websites had nice graphics, some had adequate photos, showed property amenities or maybe a map. But none of them made properties shine. And none made it easy to envision what the guest was getting if they rented that particular property.

"Let's face it, smart phones are a 'very small piece of paper' on which to write a graphic novel so to speak, "Said William May, project manager. "The other websites look like someone just jumbled things together from scratch without enough forethought."

"So we started from scratch. To figure out how mobiles should work and then do it, rather than copy what others had done"

The Redstone Advisor Board includes many experts in graphics, video and other commercial creative arts. Their input commanded the staff to start with a clear goal, and have every aspect of the website support the mission.

HelpBook.me mobile websites are, first and foremost, places to advertise and promote properties. To show their beauty and benefits. So HelpBook mobiles use full size photos, logos and graphics.

But they must also streamline the ability to select and book properties online. Other websites often taken the viewer back to a properties primary website - but those are impossible to se or use on a smart phone.

So HelpBook mobiles are fully featured and allow guests to book homes online, with full security using the payment system from Istay.net.

Best of all, HelpBook mobiles are fully deployable from a back-end database driven system. Once necessary data - such as photos, descriptions and amenity lists are secured - regular websites can be created in hours.

Then, that same data is used to create HelpBook mobiles sites in very little extra time. The fundamentals of good graphic and website design are followed, making the websites easy to use - but also impressive and persuasive.

Booking hotels and other lodging is said to be growing at a fast pace, and now all Redstone HelpBook.me properties have the ability to persuade, facilities and complete bookings for Inns, Resorts & Vacation Rentals online.

"No other company can do it as fully, as impressively and as fast as our software," notes Arshad.

Author: William May – Manager, Redstone Systems
Blog #: 0366 – 05/01/14

What I do for a living

By William May
Published: 04/08/14 Topics: Comments: 1

On a Saturday, March 22, 2014, the small community of Oso, Washington State was covered 8 to 20 feet deep with dirt and debris after a massive hillside above the area cut lose and thundered down upon houses, cars and residents.

Reports were daunting for rescue personnel first on the scene. The viscous nature of the earth turned it to black oozing mud making it almost impassible on foot.

Highway 530 which ran along the river at the bottom of the hill was lost in the muck which actually flowed across the Stillaguamish River blocking its flow. The Corp of Engineers are working diligently to re-open the channel and prevent down river flooding.

Shortly after the catastrophe a number of people were rescued and sent to area hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. Since, then the search has escalated to as many as 800 rescuers and volunteers.

As news of the slide began appearing, there were many news reports of un-authorized volunteers sneaking into the dangerous and muddy slide areas attempting to find and rescue survivors.

Due to the extreme danger in the area, at first authorities were intercepting these volunteers, threatening them with arrest and even, in a few cases, detaining determined volunteers.

Then in a Seattle Times Newspaper article on March 26, 2014 the authorities made a surprising about-face. After reconsidering the situation they decided to authorize many of those same unofficial volunteers when they learned how capable those unofficial volunteers were.

"Right off the bat they should have had every one of the loggers here in there," said Forrest Thompson 18 years of age who works for logging companies in town. "Climbing across logs and mud all day is what I do for a living."

Crisis situations crystalize the thinking of those involved. Survivors will never forget the experience and first-responders may suffer delayed stress. It is safe to say that no one who lives in the area will drive the road again without reliving where they were a the time.

Watching the rescuer's work 24/7 and without pay and sometimes without acknowledgment should make us all wonder what we are capable of. And maybe, just like Forrest Thompson, it’s a good time to ask just exactly what it is we do for a living.

If you are not familiar with what a logger does in the woods, Thompson's quote of "Climbing across logs and mud all day is what I do for a living" pretty much sums a very difficult job.

The areas they work in are not the nicely treed backyards or parks most of us think of. They are steep and dangerous mountain terrain that has often never been cut before. Danger is everywhere.

Can you imagine the physical and mental strength it takes to arise at 4 AM in the dark every morning, ride in a bus 2 hours, arrive at the work site where it is unbearably cold in winter and torturously hot in summer?

Could you trudge through mud all day jumping over logs sometime taller than yourself all while dragging heavy metal cables behind you? And after 8-10 hours of brutal work, you get to ride 2 hours home, collapse into bed only to get up the next morning at 4 AM to start again.

While silicone valley gets the press, and corporate workers get the perks it is loggers and hundreds of professions like them who actually make America work. It is refreshing to see even that small quote in the Seattle Times acknowledge that at least these people know exactly what it is they do for a living.

If you are a lawyer sitting at a desk are you an attorney, or do you help people right wrongs?

If you serve food in a restaurant are you a waiter or are you trying to make people happy?

If you work in a bank, are you counting money or protecting it for your customers?

To what extent would you go to perform you job? Could you call it - as young Thompson - "just what I do for a living?"

Luckily, most of us will never come face to face with situations as dire as those in Oso. But now is a good time to think ahead, decide what you would do in such situations and realize that in your own world, in your own job there is more you can do and people you can serve.

Thompson said that he has already marked several dead bodies and dug out at least one that authorities had extracted from the scene. He had also recovered family photo albums, jewelry and sentimental possessions from the debris.

A State Patrol spokesman acknowledged Tuesday that these area residents were well-equipped to aid in the effort because of their work in the local logging industry. Several used their dump trucks, tractors, trailers and other equipment to get through wreckage. "Frankly, their experience is highly valued."

Al Doyle Joins - Lodging Newsletter April 1st, 2014

By William May
Published: 04/05/14 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

In this week’s newsletter I have the dubious duty to tell you about political matters.

I am writing to let you know that officials from the US Hotel Association have just this week gotten a federal law passed that takes affect on June 1st. Unfortunately it will out-law vacation rentals in the United States.

This is a terrible blow for our industry and our business. I am not sure what we are going to do now. We have

other business activities that may take up some of the slack. That will mean a great deal of work, of course. And I hope that all of you will be up to this all encompassing task.

I must ask that you all stop what you are doing, get rid of all other commitments, focus on the work ahead and work closely together. Nothing will be able to stop us if we can just work together.

Unfortunately, there will be little money available for the next six or twelve months. Surely that will make things difficult for us all but maybe we can think of it as a challenge that will just test and help us achieve the very biggest success that we have all achieved in our life time.

Or maybe we’ll just forget this entire thing every happened, and then celebrate April Fools day.

Voice: 866-925-5188 x902

PERIODIC UPDATES FOR 04/01/14

BOARD MEETING: A long time friend and one of Seattle’s most respected advertising experts - Al Doyle - has joined our Board of Advisors. He now specializes in real estate marketing and you can see his company at www.FusionHappens.com. Our most recent board meeting with very helpful and provided a number of good ideas.

MAILINGS: With new tools that Ozair has created in our Samantha software system, and we have now begun using one of them to send personal mail to owner, complexes and other managers. This allows us to

NEWSLETTERS: We are close to complete on the development of the Newsletter we will be publishing. There will be a separate version for each geographic location, sent compliments of the local manager. TO get it into the mail we will be asking each manager to help build the list of recipients.

It will be mailed to our current property owner clients, prospective owners and Rent by Owners as well. We hope to get the first edition in the mail on May 1st. May Day is not as great as April Fool’s day, but it will have to do.

CLEAN CALLS: I would like to thank everyone who has been calling in their cleans. This is a very great help for us.

EDELWEISS RESTAURANT: After nine years of solid service, the Hotel Edelweiss has been sold and is being converted to a restaurant. We wish the new owners well.

GUESTBOOKS: This is the third reminder that every unit needs to have a Guest Book. Please telephone Penny today and let her know you have them installed. Plus every month or so, it is necessary to copy the contents and send them to Seattle. we can post these on review pages. It is a great help to visitors who are considering where to stay.

MEMBER PROFILE: He is often the voice of reason, helping members, property owners and guests. Josh Dettwiller handles bookings as well as the (accounting) books. He is a native of the Northwest, but also spent time in High School in California. I am continually amazed at his energy and positive attitude. Josh was referred to us by some fellow named Taylor May, but we would have hired him anyway - and we are very lucky he is here.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

LAST ISSUES TEST ANSWERS:

We got lots of correct answers this week, but some disagreement.

(1) Name the team that won this year’s Super Bowl? Answer: Denver Broncos.

(2) What special device can be used to inspect a unit for cleanliness, with the lights off? Answer: Blacklight Flashlight.

(3) In lieu of paying a damage deposit, what is the proper name for this fee? Answer: Deposit Waiver.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

NEW TEST QUESTIONS:

Grading - you don’t have to get all the answers, but the god of happiness will be unhappy.

(1) What are Merchant Accounts used for?

(2) Which company developed the back office and website software do we use?

(3) What does WAVRMA stand for?

Rush your answers to me. First winner gets brownie points.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Reminders again:

WAVRMA: Meeting Dates for the Washington State Vacation Rental Managers Association meetings have also been set. So click here to attend. These are only twice a year for now, and on the day before Vortex College meetings - so you can hit both in one trip, two days. Click here to see those dates:

http://wavrma.org/events/index.html

April 23rd in Seattle. It is very important for managers to attend. After the Association meeting, we’ll get together for some Vortex coordinating.

Please RSVP your attendance today.

Author: William May – Manager, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0360 – 04/05/14

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Top Reasons to Do-It-Yourself Vacation Rental

By William May
Published: 03/15/14 Topics: Comments: 0

Ron and Cheryl are successful. He a physician. She a professor. They found their dream second home, spent money outfitting it perfectly, and looked forward to fun and profit.

Cut Out the Middle Man

Renting the house seemed like a good idea. It was only three hours from home and they found a book explaining how easy it would be. Find a reliable housekeeper, throw up a website, buy some ads, and renters will be pushing money at you! Ron and Cheryl decided to cut out the middle man to show everyone how smart they were.

#1 Websites are Easy

Cheryl used a do-it-yourself website company to build a website. It didn’t have maps, rates or online booking but it was cheap. Cheryl spent every night for a week getting it to work.

#2 Digital Photos Are Easy

Being a camera buff, Ron thought his photos looked good; until his grade school grandson asked, "Why are they so dark?" So he hired a professional photographer for hundreds more.

#3 Advertising is Easy

Cheryl placed ads on a big vacation rental listing website for just $329; but no one inquired. She bought others, spending hours every night posting new ads. After spending $1,500 in advertising she got her first inquiry - for a $500 booking.

#4 Guests Will Come Flocking In

In time, Cheryl started getting a few inquiries; but each wanted an hour of her time. She tired of recommending restaurants; and getting low-ball rental offers. People were rude. In the end, she figured she was earning $4 an hour.

#4 People Will Prefer My Place

Ron and Cheryl's house is gorgeous. Unfortunately three bigger houses in the neighborhood siphoned off their best leads. Ron cut his rates to compete. The competition cut theirs.

He pleaded "my place was better", but guests wanted it for half-price. He lost order after order.

#5 Friends Will Rent It

Ron posted flyers around the hospital and handed out cards at his club. Friends were happy to come but could not understand why good old Ron would charge them for staying.

#6 Housekeepers Are Everywhere

Cheryl figured she could find someone cheap to clean her place. But the first cleaners left the place dirty. She had to hire a cleaning company - at high prices. But whoops they don’t work weekends!

On the third reservation, the housekeepers didn’t show up at all. So Cheryl jumped in the car, drove three hours, and worked her fingers to the bone, only to have the guests scream because the place wasn’t ready on time.

The Guests demanded a big refund. It happened twice in the first six months.

Cheryl was embarrassed. She and Ron were losing money.

#7 Get a Cheap Handyman.

Everybody "knows somebody who knows somebody" who is a retired carpenter just dying to earn your $10 per hour, handle late night calls, and always shows up on time.

Ron found one who took the job but never answered his phone again. Ron realized this on a Saturday night and had to drive a six hour round trip to flip a fuse.

#8 Staff to handle problems.

Ron figured a well maintained home won’t have any problems. However it seemed that every other guest found a sink dripping or a lock sticking. The first year, Cheryl refunded $1,700 to guests when Ron couldn’t fix things fast.

#9 Guests will follow the rules

Ron was on site the day the first visitors arrived - but with two dogs. Ron demanded they leave.

The guests demanded their $2,000 back - in cash. He paid. It was too late to find replacement guests. Chalk it up to another loss for the "sure-thing" vacation rental.

#10 Nothing Will Go Wrong

The last guests drank and sang till the wee hours. Neighbors called demanding quiet. Ron apologized. The neighbor called the cops.

The next morning, the guests departed early and demanded a full refund because the neighbors harassed them.

Vacation Rental Math

For part-time amateurs, self-managing a Vacation Rental is a recipe for disaster. Ron thought the profit would be higher by doing the work themselves.

Cheryl would cut corners and cut out the middle man. What they forgot was there is no way to cut out the work.

Only a few mistakes caused their income to plummet. Adding their own time to the equation meant they were running in the red.

Cheryl began to hate the house. Ron began to hate guests. Being absentee landlords was creating a money pit. They were in over their heads.

Finding a Professional

A friend recommended a local vacation rental manager who agreed to provide a turn-key service for a reasonable commission.

He knew where to advertise and where not to. He pumped money into the marketing, answered the phone 24 hours a day, had reliable housekeepers, and was on call 24/7. Bookings rose, problems disappeared.

More Smiles

Ron and Cheryl are vocal advocates for owning a second home, but not of being hobby landlords.

They make more money, have no hassles, and enjoy the house when they use it. Best of all Ron and Cheryl are proud of their home and the customer service guests receive.

Now they can smile when thinking of their dream home.

Author: William May – Volunteer, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0359 – 03/15/14

Complaint Of The Year - Lodging Newsletter March 10th, 2014

By William May
Published: 03/10/14 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

Another week another newsletter. My apology for missing a few due to other activities. But it feels like spring and new things are happening.

Please respond to this email this week so I can see if everyone is getting it. And, if you don't answer the quiz you will be charged $100 cash money.

Sincerely,

William May

Vortex Organization

Voice: 866-925-5188 x902

========================

PERIODIC UPDATES FOR 03/10/14

COMPLAINT OF THE YEAR: In one complex, property owners are obligated to offer their homes for rent due to government requirements. Their Board was unhappy with past income so it hired us to increase business, as well as to provide onsite management. Here is a response to an email to property owners.

- - -
" Hi Penny, Thank you for your reply. I just want to let you know how disappointed we have been with having to rent our unit so much this season. Never in the past have we had to rent so often. Why is it different this year? - Keri"

"Dear Keri, It could be you now have a better managers I guess. - Penny "

- - -

BOARD MEETING: Did you know that we have an esteemed "Board of Advisors". They met last week and were very enthusiastic about our performance as a company. We asked for and they had good ideas for improvements. Thanks to everyone who participated.

CLEAN REMINDERS: For all housekeepers and others who watch that calendar.

GUESTBOOKS: Another reminder about guest books.

(1) Every condo, cabin and house needs to have one. You can buy them at Wal-Mart or the Dollar store cheap. If the book doesn't say "Guest Book" you can write it on the cover or inside the front flap.

(2) The Guestbook must be left on the living room coffee table.

(3) Every month housekeepers and manages are to photocopy comments and email, fax or mail them to Seattle.

COOL CLEANS: Several weeks ago your received a notice about how our Ace programmers had made it possible to logon to your website and mark off cleans as complete.

MEMBER PROFILE: Lu Ann Kolten loves living at the Beach, having lived elsewhere in the world, even though she is from Western Washington originally. Her husband Patrick grew up in France and is not sure how he got to the wind swept coast of Washington State but he loves it there too and is a professional glass artist. He is fairly sure getting there was by airplane. With the help of family members they take care of numerous vacation rentals in the Westport Washington area. www.BeachyDay.com

VIDEO CONFERENCING: Our new System Administrator Ryan Cooley has been looking into Video Conferencing websites which could allow manager and other meetings to be held by video! That would mean less trips and better communication. If you don't have a Webcam he found a great one at Target stores for just $25. Plus directly into your computer but you do have to have an adequate DSL or Cable internet connection. If you don't have a camera please find one today. It will save you trips.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

LAST ISSUES TEST ANSWERS:

(1) What is the name of our new business that does vacation rentals in Boats? Answer: AnchorInns.com.

(2) How often should Deep Cleans be done of every vacation rental home? Answer: Once or twice a year depending on occupancy.

(3) What is the correct name of the lock boxes we use to give guests keys for their rental? Answer: Key Safes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

TEST QUESTIONS:

Grading - you don't have to get all the answers, but the god of happiness will be unhappy.

(1) Name the team that won this year's Super Bowl

(2) What special device can be used to inspect a unit for cleanliness, with the lights off?

(3) In lieu of paying a damage deposit, what is the proper name for this fee?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Reminders again:

VORTEX COLLEGE: Dates have been picked for this year's Vortex Continuing Education. We really need each manager to come to meetings. Big things are happening. Managers needs to attend at least every other meeting to retain their certification. Hey, this really is worth the time and attention. Click here to see dates and RSVP for this month get-together:

Vortex College

WAVRMA: Meeting Dates for the Washington State Association meetings have also been set. So click here to attend. These are only twice a year for now, and on the day before Vortex College meetings - so you can hit both in one trip, two days. Click here to see those dates:

WAVRMA Meeting

Please RSVP your attendance today.

Author: William May – Manager, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0358 – 03/10/14

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Varoom Vacation Rental Cooperative Springs to Life

By William May
Published: 02/23/14 Topics: Comments: 0

After two years of work the world's first Cooperative for By Owner Vacation Rentals has just launched online at Varoom.biz - and - VaroomVacationRentals.com.

We hope you will like what we've done because its sole purpose is to help guests and rental owners find each other in ways that might not otherwise be able. This is a novel approach to helping Rent by Owners fills unoccupied dates by coordinating guest requests between managers, who have too many requests and owners who would like to fill them.

For Guests

Even with the thousands of advertising websites catering to vacation rental owners, guests often search in vain to find the perfect accommodations. On our guest website at VaroomVacationRentals.com we list each and every rental in the Varoom program.

There are cabins, condos, houses and villas to choose from. Booking online is easy, or guests can inquire, email or telephone for quick service. The website is easy to navigate and make online bookings.

For Property Owners

Booking through Varoom is cheaper, easier and more flexible than expensive paid listings. And this blog is here just to keep Guests, Owners, Managers and others up to date on everything we are doing to help grow the industry.

For owners, the system is collaborative in nature. Varoom works on a non-exclusive basis meaning owners are free to accept bookings from any other party with no fee to the Co-op. Owners only insure a commission to Varoom when they accept bookings and make money.

We'll be the first to tell you that no single marketing will fill a property with a never ending list of prospective guests. But Varoom can fill in the gaps and match inquisitive guests with helpful owners.

Penny Taylor, Varoom Sales Manager said, "There is no up front fee, a long-term contract is not required and property owners can pick and choose when to accept bookings. This is completely flexible for owners."

Varoom attracts visitors with extensive advertising, newsletters, email campaigns and a robust easy to use website. Varoom does the upfront work of posting homes into its system and offers an easy to use interface for coordinating dates, rates and bookings.

But Varoom also cooperates with local managers who often have excess inquiries and insufficient inventory to satisfy every guest. Even owners listed with managers are allowed to submit to Varoom because it does not compete with managers, but cooperates with them.

Steve Fletcher is a long-time property owner, renowned business consultant and member of the Varoom Board of Advisors. "By sharing in a mutually profitable way, guests, owners and managers all benefit, This kind of collaboration has always been a hallmark to a successful business."

The Future

Please join us today. And check back regularly to see more developments. We'll keep you posted on everything Vacation Rental. Feel free to send us your comments and suggestions.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Varoom was built and is operated by experience vacation rental professionals to meet the still unfulfilled opportunity of the Internet to divert traveler's into comfortable, convenient cost effective vacation homes as an alternative to costly hotels.

To list your property just fill out the inquiry form or contact us:

Penny Taylor
PO Box 22987 Seattle, WA 98122
Voice: 866-674-6652
Fax: 888-628-0839
Email: Info@Varoom.biz
For Owners: Varoom.biz
For Guests: VaroomVacationRentals.com

Author: William May, MayPartners Advertising
Blog #: 0352 – 02/23/14

Peeled Eyes - Lodging Newsletter February 17th, 2014

By William May
Published: 02/16/14 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

We have a winner! Josh Dettweiller was the first person to answer last week's quiz. He received a perfect score and winner points. You can get winner points by answering this week's quiz.

I am giving double points this week if you send me comments, questions & suggestions.

And we have big news about the online cleaning system. Read below.

Sincerely,

William May

Vortex Organization

Voice: 866-925-5188 x902

==============================

PERIODIC UPDATES FOR 02/17/14

COOL CLEANS: Our Ace programmers - Salman - says the first draft of the Online CleanS Reporting System is now online. He has been replicating the efficient clean system that our other ace programmer - Ozair - built in our reservation software.

The test version is at www.Goldener.com (and soon on all websites).
Just login to see your Dashboard and select "Calendar, All units".
You will notice that the dates on which cleans are scheduled are now in RED.
Plus there is a list of all scheduled cleans for the month, immediately below the calendar.
You can click on the left hand icon for any clean to open a form and see the details.
Then you can mark the clean as completed and even leave notes if necessary.
Once done, the RED date on the calendar disappears.
That tells everyone - even people in the office - that the clean is done.
So they can try to book it immediately to another guest for that night.
This makes everyone more money!

MOBILE CLEANS: Eventually we hope to have this same function available in a Mobile website version that housekeepers could see and complete on their smart phones. Don't hold your breath. It will take time to create, but be a wonderful tool.

MORE PEELED EYES: Last week I asked that everyone keep me posted on competition, businesses etc. going on in their market. Then last week one of our esteemed members called to say there are big changes afoot at one of the complexes in town - their manager is long gone. We'll hope to make a proposal to that group and the member's tip gives us a great opportunity to show what a great comprehensive full service we have for them. Wish us luck. And keep me posted on your market so we can get a jump start on opportunities.

MEMBER PROFILE: This week we salute Joseph Romain, our ace HDR photographer, creative director, website designer and all around good guy. In fact, Joe has consistently been willing to do anything to help us all succeed including paperwork and cleaning around the office. Joe and Kristie Romain are proud parents of 14 month old Miles Romain who steals their sleep but fills their hearts, Kristie is also a photographer - one of Seattle's top Wedding specialists. www.KristieLloyd.com

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

TEST QUESTIONS:

Grading - you don't have to get all the answers, but you lose brownie points if you don't respond.

(1) What is the name of our new business that does vacation rentals in Boats?

(2) How often should Deep Cleans be done of every vacation rental home?

(3) What is the correct name of the lock boxes we use to give guests keys for their rental?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS:

(1) What is the only item that can be left in a refrigerator when a guest checks into a rental? ANSWER: Baking Soda Box.

(2) Which of our businesses creates the photos, slide shows and videos for all our properties? What is it's name? ANSWER: Signatours.

(3) Even when an owner cleans after their own use, what is the type of clean that must always be done immediately thereafter? ANSWER: Checkup.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Reminders again:

VORTEX COLLEGE: Dates have been picked for this year's Vortex Continuing Education. We really need each manager to come to the February meeting. Big things are happening. Managers needs to attend at least every other meeting to retain their certification. Hey, this really is worth the time and attention. Click here to see dates and RSVP for February today pretty please:

Vortex College

WAVRMA Meeting

Please RSVP your attendance today.

Author: William May – Manager, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0351 – 02/16/14

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Seattle Hard Freeze - Lodging Newsletter February 13th, 2014

By William May
Published: 02/13/14 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

After a hard freeze in Seattle, today is balmy and (winter) warm. Here is the latest news and updates.

This week we are adding two more regular features to the newsletter:

(1) A member profile

(2) A pop quiz at the end. Please RSVP with your answers.

(3) Reminders from prior newsletters.

And have you sent me your comments, questions & suggestions?

Sincerely,

William May
Vortex Organization
Voice: 866-925-5188 x902

========================

PERIODIC UPDATES FOR 02/10/14

NEWSLETTERS: Are you reading the online newsletters? Click here to catch up.

http://vortexmethod.com/newsletters/index.html

GUEST BOOKS: There is to be a Guest Book in every unit in which guests can leave comments. Those are to be photocopied every month at a minimum, and faxed or mailed to the office. Today I was adding those comments into guest reviews for one unit in particular. They had dozens of really nice comments and these are a big help for guests who may want to rent that unit. Your homes fall below if you fail to send us the guest books.

WELCOME BOOKS: We are creating a new "Welcome Book" format customized to each location, that will include unit information, local events and merchants. We'll send you proofs soon.

EYES PEELED: It is important to know everything going on in your market - who manages which properties, are they doing a good job, what events are taking place. This is a competitive business, so please remember to call or email me with the latest info from your town. Sometimes that will help us help you more.

MEMBER PROFILE: This week we salute Deresa Norman, who oversees all the housekeeper and many maintenance issue in Leavenworth Washington. Luckily we bumped into Deresa when we opened in that market close to 10 years ago. We have learned so much about housekeeping and its no wonder that we just never get complaints about the great housekeeping she and her crew complete. In fact, their work is so good that Deresa has helped train others in our group who rave about her techniques and quality.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

TEST QUESTIONS:

(1) What is the only item that can be left in a refrigerator when a guest checks into a rental?

(2) Which of our businesses creates the photos, slide shows and videos for all our properties? What is it's name?

(3) Even when an owner cleans after their own use, what is the type of clean that must always be done immediately thereafter?

Grading - you don't have to get all the answers, but you lose brownie points if you don't respond.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

And here are some reminders:

Vortex Classes

WAVRMA Meetings

Please RSVP your attendance today.

Author: William May, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0349 – 02/13/14

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

Like Happy Lemmings to the Seahawk

By William May
Published: 02/06/14 Topics: Seattle, Sports Comments: 0

As I drove my wife and son to downtown Seattle from our home just 20 blocks to the East, the traffic, usually light, was oppressive. On every side street thousands of people were streaming down the hill like lemmings to the sea. Sidewalks were so full, entire families walked down the middle of the auto jammed streets.

On the gigantic ferries that bring vehicles into Seattle, many walk-on passengers arrived before dawn to get a seat among the other thousands sailing, but many had to wait up to three crossings just to get a standing room only ticket. They worried they would be too late.

From North and South, state patrol troopers said automobile traffic on the 8 lane Interstate freeways were in grid lock for ten miles on each side of the city. Drives and passengers stood outside their cars unable to continue to what was then the center of the universe

As my car inched across an overpass, a roar erupted from the thousands of nearby people as they screamed, shook their fists, and waved flags at several buses that were then inching along the freeway below they headed for Seattle. Emergency lights were blinking on the buses, while they were accompanied by a police escort. Every pedestrian stopped to stare and scream. Cars stopped, occupants jumped out to join in the screaming, leaving their cars running with doors wide open.

The city seems to have succeeded from the United States, all visible American flags were gone and replaced with odd new flags. All in green and blue sporting a giant number 12 emblazoned on them.

The day before the Seattle School Superintendent had announced that no student absences would be tolerated today but quickly changed his mind after getting thousands of angry messages - including a tweet from the Mayor.

Later it was reported that 25% of the students in the region called in sick with a mysterious form of hysteria . As did workers from major corporations, big companies and small. In all, over 750,000 people converged on a short street in the middle of a town bathed in cold temperatures but brilliantly blue skies.

Getting anywhere near the city center was impossible, so I dropped by family off close to downtown and headed back up the hill to my office. It was eerie. I felt like the only car driving East away from town. Stopping at a large coffee shop I was delighted to find the place empty, no line.

The barista asked if I was a football fan. "No," I said, "Is that what's going on?"

"Are you kidding me?" he asked with disbelief. All that hub bub out there are the fans happily going to attend a parade that will feature their Seahawks football team. A group made up of long suffering veterans, players selected low in the draft when other teams felt them unworthy, and numerous draft choices that were ridiculed by pundits.

It seemed that the Seahawks last Sunday had just won the biggest sporting event in the United States - the Super Bowl. Hopes were high all year, but the Seahawks dominated games and unexpectedly overpowered a team who promised to dispatch Seattle with ease. Nothing motivates like disrespect, and Seattle dispatched the Denver Bronco team 43 to 8, coming close to shutting out a team favored to trounce them.

Their coach took an unusual approach by preparing a team who never allowed themselves to say that winning the top title was their goal. They decided it far simpler and far more direct to purely set a record of One win and no loss in every game. Each game would take care of the next.

In the title game, they made it just another game and one in which they were completely prepared to simply go One win and no loss.

In fact, the annual celebration that in other sports would be called a world championship, is only a Super Bowl for American football because it has been unique to North America.

In recent years teams have traveled to England for games and plans are afield to let other destinations experience what America has known for so long - American football exhibits much of what is great about America.

Thus being that working together works best. That persevering is always worth the pain. That no one should ever let anyone else define them, or limit them, or disrespect them. Every child who watched today's parade in person or saw it on the televisions that were on in every home and every business, learned something important.

It was voiced by the team leader quarterback, in the words of his recently deceased father. When this player was told he was too small, too slow and didn't fit in anywhere, he remembered the words of his father who said, "Why not you Russell? Why not?"

Sports are an opportunity for every citizen in the region to smile, remember and share. It makes people lively while appreciating others. Lastly, it makes people happy and what could be better than that?

Author: William May
Blog #: 0345 – 02/06/14

Vortex College - Lodging Newsletter February 3rd, 2014

By William May
Published: 02/03/14 Topics: Lodging Newsletter Comments: 0

Another month has already passed, in yet another year. So what a good time to get in gear, pump it up!

Are you getting these newsletters? Please let me know by responding to this email.

You could also send me a few ideas for what you want included in the next few weeks. Or feel free to comment pro or con.

Sincerely,

William May Vortex Organization Voice: 866-925-5188 x902

========================

PERIODIC UPDATES FOR 02/03/14

NEWSLETTERS: Are you reading the online newsletters? Click here to catch up.

Vortex Newsletters

VORTEX COLLEGE: Dates have been picked for this year's Vortex Continuing Education. We really need each manager to come to the February meeting. Big things are happening. Then Managers needs to attend at least every other meeting to retain their certification. Hey, this really is worth the time and attention. Click here to see dates and RSVP for February today pretty please:

Vortex College Dates (click here)

WAVRMA Event Dates (Click here)

FOOD & CONDIMENTS: For Health Department reasons, food and condiments can not be left in refrigerators. Owners should be discouraged from leaving food in cupboards. Instead, anything they want to stock should go in their lock off. If owners insist on leaving food it should be in their lock off. If they insist on putting it on shelves, they must leave plenty of room for guest food and presume their personal food may disappear without compensation.

And if they insist on leaving condiments or food in the refrigerator, guest will complain loudly about lack of hygiene. The only thing that goes in refrigerators is a box of baking soda. So - if you have owners not adhering to these ideas, please talk to them immediately. If they continue, then you must remove anything you find in the refrigerator.

BACKUP PERSON: For some destinations, this time of year is a great time to go on vacation. However, managers must have a reliable and knowledgeable backup person available 24/7. AND they must introduce that person to the office staff by providing name, phone, email, address etc.

A good idea is to have that person call the office. Omitting this could cause everyone to lose thousands of dollars and, worse, to disappoint guests or owners in some way. If you haven't setup your backup person with the office - please do so now. Today.

DEEP CLEAN FLYER: Keeping houses up to hospitality clean is an absolute requirement in lodging. Owners seldom have an idea of the immense work this requires. So attached here is a new flyer "How Clean is Clean Enough." Please memorize it. You can download copies on the website.

Clean Enough Flyer (Click, requires login)

FLUID WIDTH: Salman, our ace website programmer, has been working double duty to make some pretty big changes to our websites. With the invention of wider computer screens, it was necessary to re-write all of our website pages and code into what we are lovingly calling "Jumbo" code."

It has taken literally hundreds of hours, and will require hundreds more to convert all the websites. But doing so will allow us to create wide websites (16 to 9 ratio) that still look correct on conventional monitors (2 to 3 ratio). You won't see much difference at first, but as Joe and Fahim work at increasing image sizes, the improved design capability will be beautiful. Take a look at this sample:

www.Goldener.com is our current width.

www.GoldenerResorts.com is our new width.

MOBILE WEBSITE: The new technology also has allowed Salman to begin creating mobile website functionality. Due to the smaller screens the sites are much different but soon will have all the same functionality. Including that managers and housekeepers will be able to see calendars on their phones and even mark cleans done, or submit work orders. This is going to be great. Look at this www.GoldenerResorts.comon your mobile phone.

Or you can go to GoldenerResorts.com then look for the "Go to Mobile website" on the bottom of the regular website.

Author: William May – Manager, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0347 – 02/03/14

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

How to Hire & Retain Happy Housekeepers (10 rules)

By Wm. May
Published: 01/28/14 Topics: Lodging Management, Vacation Rental Association, Vacation Rentals, WAVRMA Comments: 0

How to Hire and Retain Happy Housekeepers - 10 Tips

Servers at restaurants, both fancy and plain, demand tips. The valet who parks your car puts his hand out. Even your neighborhood Starbucks barista wants money for making up your fancy café mocha, skinny, double cup, with foam.

In Lodging many guests simply do not know they need to tip those hard working housekeepers who slip in and out of their rooms while they sit comfortably in the dining room, paying too much for dinner, and giving the smiling cheerful waiter a big tip for being so attentive.

Recent anecdotal responses indicate that tipping in Vacation Rentals occurs less often in hotels. That is a disrespectful situation that must change.

Industry research consistently points to lack of cleanliness as the most common complaint of travelers. Everyone wants a good clean place to stay. But some guests are even reluctant to stay in a vacation rental for fear it is not sparkling clean.

It is time to prove them wrong.

Heavy Work

Those who clean bathrooms, scrub kitchens and scour barbecues deserve the highest respect not the lowest. It is hard work and under appreciated.

By comparison, being a corporate executive is a piece of cake. Those big wigs must even "Carve out" time everyday to go to the gym for the workout they do not get at work.

Housekeepers don't need a trip to the gym. They get down on hands and knees scrubbing floors, they climb ladders to clean or change light bulbs and they tote tons of trash out of homes.

Rent By Owners

Vacation rental rent-by-owners complain they can not find housekeepers, or good ones, can't keep them, or lose them often with little notice. That is because amateur owners base their hiring and retention methods on personal observations instead of empirical knowledge.

There are secrets to finding and keeping most any kind of employee, but they are especially clear and unavoidable for housekeepers and other workers who do societies dirty work.

Rental Managers:

Some vacation rental managers make the same complaints, but often they are new to the industry or have an over-blown sense of their own importance, while avoiding the hard work of personally cleaning homes.

Walking a mile in a housekeepers shoes is the only way to understand how difficult and deadline driven the work can be, and why those housekeeper shoes are often worn and tattered.

Luckily, most vacation rental managers eventually discover the secrets to finding and keeping the kind of loyal, industrious and committed workers who are willing to clean toilets and do other unglamorous work.

10 Iron Clad Rules

To find and keep top-quality people, who serve your guests well and do so with a smile on their faces it is necessary to follow some iron-clad rules.

PAY - Stop scrimping and pay people well. Pay them based on the hours cleans take and not on your budget, which is often far too little, and seldom accounts for differences in how guests leave a home.

SCHEDULING - Arrange cleaning dates as far in advance as possible. Provide online tools so workers can see where they are to be and when. Adjust schedules to accommodate second jobs, day-care, etc.

FULL TIME - Don't hire more people than you need. There will be employees who prefer part-time work but most want to get a full week's pay or close to it.

WEEKLY PAY - Pay your staff weekly, do it direct-deposit and never miss a payroll deadline, even by a few minutes. Everyone needs to get paid. They have bills to pay.

TIPS - Put out cute and subtle time envelopes, signed by the cleaner that just so happen to mention tipping. Guest actually like to reward those who serve them. Unlike restaurants, lodging guests need a reminder. This can increase pay 24 to 30% making housekeepers beam.

STANDARDS - Write clear concise cleaning "Hospitality" standards. Do not demand "Hospital" standards because they are not necessary or economically feasible. If you don't know the difference, someone else in your organization needs to be the inspector.

TRAINING - Require even experienced housekeepers to work along side current staff to learn the ropes of each home. Use checklists. Train, re-train and train again. Inspect work. Provide pleasant feedback.

HONESTY - Only hold housekeepers to a standard you could attain. To prove it - clean multiple houses in one day, and invite the housekeepers to inspect your work. Then do it for a week.

BE KIND - Cleaning small simple hotel rooms is far easier than scrubbing large personal homes that can have owner possessions, far more furniture and utensils and even peculiar outfitting.

RESPECT - Every housekeeper must be treated with the utmost respect. Never raise your voice. Never complain, Never insinuate.

This is the most often violated rule, but the most important one. Never fall victim to your feeling of superiority.

BONUS TIP - Believe every word housekeepers tell you. If a home needs deep cleaning - believe them, If a house needs extra cleaning after an owner says they cleaned it - believe them. If the vacuum cleaner needs to be replaced - believe them

Anything less disrespects the challenging labor to they do for you so reliably.

The Result

Not all new hires will be good housekeepers. Not all will achieve hospitality standards. Not all will remain employees for years to come. But converting your thinking to these iron clad rules will insure you achieve the following:

High Quality Hospitality Cleaning.
Happy guests and property owners.
Respect from wonderful housekeepers
Personal satisfaction in knowing you treated people well.

Author: Wm. May – Volunteer, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0338 – 01/28/14

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Bill's Bountiful Blog

Cut Out the Middle Man

#1 Websites are Easy

#2 Digital Photos Are Easy

#3 Advertising is Easy

#4 Guests Will Come Flocking In

#4 People Will Prefer My Place

#5 Friends Will Rent It

#6 Housekeepers Are Everywhere

#7 Get a Cheap Handyman.

#8 Staff to handle problems.

#9 Guests will follow the rules

#10 Nothing Will Go Wrong

Vacation Rental Math

Finding a Professional

More Smiles

For Guests

For Property Owners

The Future

Heavy Work

Rent By Owners

Rental Managers:

10 Iron Clad Rules

The Result

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